IT was definitely one for the fans.

And a result which the 3,000 faithful who went to Old Trafford with crossed fingers and left with arms aloft will relate to their grandchildren.

A win against Manchester United, at Old Trafford, by Premiership newcomers is as rare as hen's teeth.

But, here were Bolton Wanderers, still written off by some -- most recently respected pundit Rodney Marsh -- as Premiership strugglers, taking the game to some of the country's best-known footballers, and winning.

Bolton's fans have waited 22 years for this particular result, and they were prepared to celebrate the 2-1 victory in style.

In pubs and clubs all over Bolton -- and much, much further afield -- the Whites were hailing their heroes, praising Sam Allardyce's foresight and their own loyalty. And well they might.

The win was a wonderful testament to managerial skill, club tenacity, solid support and some remarkable football talent.

It is the first time since the Premiership began that United have lost a home match after going ahead and they will certainly have learned a lesson from their less illustrious near-neighbours.

But the biggest lesson of all, demonstrated so volubly by that small band of fans among the 60,000-plus Reds' followers and so brilliantly by 11 men on the pitch, is simple: never give up.

And Bolton Wanderers have showed that they never will.